Tall Ships Visit the Portland Harbor - c. 1900

This highly detailed view of an industrial section of the Portland harbor illustrates the importance of sailing ships, even in 1900. It's also a stunning photo.

Though only one steamship rests between many with sails, by this time the tonnage carried by the two types of ships in the United States was about equal. Sailing ships were able to hang on due to their comparatively low overhead, and even gained on their steam-powered counterparts during recessionary years. But the time of their masts dominating northwest harbors was coming to an end.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.